It was a sad weekend for me and my family.

My wife, our 10-month old son Dylan and I made 5 hour trek north to my hometown of Sudbury for the funeral of a someone very dear to us. 

Cancer strikes again.

She was my favourite aunt, although we weren't related, and a very very close friend of my parents.  She was only 66 years young and had fought cancer tooth and nail for 4 long years (which seem so very short now). 

Her doctors never thought she would make it 6 months.

I've never been to a funeral like hers.  She was an educator and a major force in the Sudbury community.  Probably 300 people showed for the funeral, which was the biggest I've ever attended.

You know how they say funerals are meant to be a celebration of life?  Well, this one truly was.  We laughed at the stories, a choir sang her favourite songs, and bagpipes led the procession.  It was heartfelt and beautiful.

She was there for me when I had cancer 9 years ago.  She helped connect us with the right doctors through her network and she supported me throughout.  When she was first diagnosed, I pulled her aside - I wanted to be there for her like she was for me.  I gave her the books that gave me hope during cancer.  I called her on the phone the week before she passed away.

She was a fighter and we always though she would pull through.

Cancer strikes with a randomness we can't understand.  I'm not one to ask the question "Why her and not me?" 

Instead I say "Not me.  Not today.  It's another good day."

Michael

Dealing with death can change your focus.  It has reminded me that I've got a load to be grateful for today.  Is today another good day for you?  How will you use it?  What do you cherish most about today?